Sometimes, we all crave for a moment of respite from the urban frenzy we call home. Luckily, you don’t have to go too far to find a refreshing change in scenery when visiting Kuala Lumpur. From pretty paddy fields and rolling hills, to peaceful lakeshores, and fishing villages, here are some things to do around KL for a rejuvenating day trip.
Best part is, they’re all no more than a 2-hour drive from the city.
The current exchange rate is RM1=~$0.29 as of 26th July 2024.
Table of Contents
| Destinations | Highlights | Distance from KL |
| Sekinchan | Pretty paddy fields and sunset views | 1.5 hours |
| Sasaran Beach | “Sky Mirror” beach | 1.5 hours |
| Janda Baik | Picnic by the river & spot exotic birds | 50 minutes |
| Genting Highlands | Cool weather, casino, & kid-friendly theme park | 1 hour |
| Broga Hills | Hiking spot with sunrise view | 50 minutes |
| Colmar Tropicale | French village with Tudor architecture | 1 hour |
| Pulau Ketam | Fresh seafood at a fishing village | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Kuala Selangor | Spot bioluminescent plankton & fireflies | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Sungai Serai Hot Spring Pool | Soak away any body aches | 40 minutes |
| Bangi Wonderland | Family-friendly water playground | 35 minutes |
| Kuala Kubu Bharu | Outdoor adventures like paragliding & water rafting | 1 hour |
| Sungai Long Hill | Largest dino park in Malaysia | 30 minutes |
Driving from Singapore to KL is probably the most convenient way to get around, considering you’ll have the car to go on further road trips out of the city. Taking traffic, customs, and potty breaks into consideration, the drive will take at least 5 hours.
But if you’re all about skipping traffic and getting there without hassle, then book a quick 1-hour flight to KL. Apart from flying into KLIA from Changi Airport, there are also Firefly flights from Seletar Airport. You can then book a Grab to your destination.
However, if you want to be the one behind the wheel, check out Klook’s car rentals from ~RM120.80/day. Alternatively, you can rent a car in JB and drive straight to KL.
Finally, there are guided day tours available for bookings, so you can just be a comfy passenger princess.
Image adapted from: @homestay_sekinchan via Instagram
Sekinchan, often regarded as Selangor’s best kept secret, may very well be the next best choice for those wanting to visit Bali on a budget. Known for its sea of paddy fields, this sleepy town has become a hotspot for photoshoots, particularly for weddings. Rest assured, Sekinchan will leave you with tonnes of pictures for the ‘Gram.
Head to Sekinchan Padi Sentral Homestay and you’ll find a rainbow “stairway to heaven”.
Image credit: @narztraveldiary via Instagram
The best possible way to explore this town would be on a bicycle, which you can conveniently rent from AMG Bicycle Renting from RM10/hour. That said, besides exploring sprawling paddy fields and wishing trees, remember to make a pit stop at the Sekinchan Fishing Port to admire the sights of the fishing village.
Image credit: @alicia_ng1 via Instagram
Finally, no Sekinchan trip is complete without savouring some fresh seafood. If you’re in the mood for affordable Chinese seafood prepared in a home-cooked style, make your way to Restaurant Weng Kee Seafood. On the other hand, if you’re seeking halal choices, Restaurant Abah Bonda Ikan Bakar is the go-to destination for savouring delectable grilled seafood.
Book a Sekinchan and Sky Mirror tour (from S$113.55).
Image adapted from: @skymirrormalaysia via Instagram
We all love IG-worthy things, so here’s another one that’s located in Kuala Selangor. Sasaran Beach, also known as the “Mirror of the Sky,” appears only twice a month. It’s essentially a sandbar that emerges from the sea, forming an expansive reflective surface that resembles a mirror. This natural wonder coincides with the new moon and full moon phases.
You’ll have to book a tour to get to this beach as there’s no public access. Guided tours typically include a 30-minute boat ride out to sea, and some lunch, or sightseeing stops. While you’re here, take a peek into the muddy waters to see if you can spot crabs, clams, and sea grapes.
Book a Sky Mirror experience in Kuala Selangor (from S$14.09).
Surrounded by lush greenery and crisp mountain air, it is easy to forget that you are still in Malaysia when visiting Janda Baik. While neighbouring Genting Highlands is famous for its vibrant casinos and bustling entertainment, this lesser known gem offers a peaceful ambiance.
Image credit: @malaysiatourism via Instagram
That said, outdoor lovers will want to consider spending a few extra nights here, particularly at Tiarasa Escapes Glamping Resort. You’ll get the best of both worlds – experiencing the great outdoors all in air-conditioned comfort. In a day, you will be able to hike beginner-friendly hikes, go waterfall-hunting, ride an ATV, and even hop on a horse for some horseback riding at Bidaisari Stables.
Image credit: @palmtreesandpizzas via Instagram
For cafe hoppers, one spot that is perfect for the ‘Gram is Pinto Coffee+ which offers local blends and hearty brunches. Another cafe to consider would be A Little Farm On The Hill for anyone wanting to experience a farm-to-table kind of dining experience.
Image credit: @gentingskyworlds via Instagram
We can’t mention things to do near KL without mentioning Genting Highlands. If you’re looking for a quick getaway that offers excitement for both the kids and you, the resort town beckons with its cool weather, casino, and the kid-friendly Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park.
Just an hour’s drive away from KL, Genting also has shopaholics covered with its ample shopping outlets and malls. While it is a year-round destination, it’s wise to avoid the rainy season, which happens between January and February, due to the higher risk of landslides.
Image credit: @israela_iray via Instagram
To get there, you can opt for a convenient car ride, or enjoy a scenic journey on the Awana SkyWay cable car. Once you arrive, getting around is a breeze thanks to Resort World Genting’s shuttle services.
Book Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park tickets (S$36.19) and Awana SkyWay cable car tickets (from S$2.89).
We’re always up for a weekend hike in Malaysia, and one that’s just an easy drive outside of the city is Broga Hill in Semenyih. It’s a popular spot to catch sunrise or sunsets, with 3 summits for avid hikers to conquer. The trail is rather challenging, with steep inclines and some recent soil erosion, but beginners can still attempt the climb alongside experienced hikers. Just be careful.
You needn’t even attempt all 3 peaks to be rewarded with glorious views; the first peak alone gives you a bird’s-eye view of the townships and greenery below. Pair that with a hilltop that’s covered in tall lalang grass and huge boulders, and you’ve got yourself a backdrop for impressive photos.
Note that it takes about 1.5 hours to hike up all peaks, and that proper hiking attire is recommended. Avoid hiking here if it’s been raining the previous night, or during the rainy months of October to March as the trail gets slippery.
After you’ve gotten your share of fresh air, check out these places to eat in Semenyih before heading back to KL.
You don’t need to hop on a plane and endure a long flight to Europe to enjoy cool air and “French” villages. Exploring Colmar Tropicale, Berjaya Hills in Bentong, will do just fine.
Wander along cobblestone streets adorned with Tudor architecture and immerse yourself in the ambience of a quaint European village. But, it’s not just picturesque vibes you can enjoy here; there are also suspension bridge walks, rock climbing, flying fox, and even paintball. Or, opt for a more leisurely horseback ride through the scenic landscape. For moments of serenity, don’t miss the Japanese garden.
Image credit: @amrlxfarid via Instagram
If your visit falls on a weekend, make sure to explore Bentong’s Sunday markets for some fresh ginger and soy, or pay a visit to the nearby Bentong Durian Farm to indulge in some MSW durians.
Book a day tour from KL to Colmar Tropicale (S$61.05).
If you want to escape the urban clamour, you might find the respite you need in Pulau Ketam off the coast of Klang. Buildings and walkways on stilts, rivers, and boats – you’ll be experiencing a fishing village in all its glory. Serene coastal sights aside, the island is a haven for foodies with a bounty of fresh seafood that awaits you – all at reasonable prices.
Remember Me Seafood Restaurant is located near the jetty and serves seafood faves such as oyster omelette (from RM20) and butter prawns (RM40).
Image adapted from: Pulau Ketam Remember Me Seafood Restaurant via Facebook
As you disembark at Pulau Ketam Jetty, simply walk along the main street and you’ll see a trove of restaurants – mainly Chinese cuisine and seafood joints. Walk deeper in, past the “Rainbow Bridge”, and you’ll find plenty of Malay food as well, including halal options. The prices vary between each, but you’ll find lots of crab dishes at competitive prices, some as low as RM40-RM50 for a small portion.
It is important to note that while this destination welcomes visitors year-round, it’s advisable to plan your trip during the dry seasons to avoid the rainfall and rough seas, so you’ll be able to fully enjoy the charm of this coastal gem. To get there, take a short ferry ride (from RM12/adult) from Port Klang to Pulau Ketam.
Book a round-trip ferry ticket from Pulau Ketam to Port Klang (S$3.45).
Book a tour of Pulau Ketam (from S$55.99)
Image adapted from: @dtoursjetty, @_seishana via Instagram
A sleepy town by day, Kuala Selangor comes alive once the sun goes down – but not the way you might think. The town surrounds the Selangor River mouth and you can take a boat down the river to see fireflies in the dark. But that’s not all; you can also catch the seasonal Blue Tears phenomenon, where the water emits a bluish glow thanks to bioluminescent plankton.
If you have some time to spare, consider taking a walk up Bukit Melawati or conveniently opt for the tram which costs only RM10. Also known as Monkey Hill, it harbours the ruins of a 16th century fort and cannons and is near the Altingsburg Lighthouse, where you will be able to see the Straits of Malacca.
Image credit: @yosoykamal via Instagram
If you are lucky, you might be able to do some monkey feeding as well. From RM10, you can buy a bag of vegetables to feed the silver leaf monkeys that are friendlier than their aggressive and mischievous cousins, the long-tailed macaques.
Book a Kuala Selangor fireflies night tour ($S54.75) and blue tears experience at Kuala Selangor (from $S4.65).
Japanese onsens, Sembawang Hot Spring Park, and things that are good for the body and soul: we can’t deny that natural hot springs are rather appealing. Well, just an hour’s drive away from KL is Sungai Serai Hot Spring Pool. Open to the public year-round, this natural mineral-rich oasis is surrounded by greenery for a zen soak.
According to past visitors, the best time to visit the hot springs would be in the morning or evening, when the sun is not at its hottest. Avoid afternoons, as the water can get slightly hotter than usual.
Image credit: @js_w0ng via Instagram
With an affordable entrance fee of RM1, and an additional RM1 parking fee, it’s an accessible alternative to the lavish Banjaran Hot Springs that’s further away in Ipoh. It’s advisable to make a quick call ahead to ensure your day here goes without any hiccups. If you’re feeling peckish, satisfy the tummy by digging into dishes like lamb shank (RM52) and fried rice (RM20) at Serai Bamboo Hotspring Cafe, located within the vicinity.
If you’ve already been to Sunway Lagoon countless times, you might want to give Bangi Wonderland a shot. Boasting an array of 14 water-based attractions, from exhilarating slides to lazy rivers and wave pools, the park caters to everyone, especially families with little children.
The park has a water playground with a pirate theme that is sure to amuse the kids. In addition, there are a ton of interactive water rides and games in this area, including a large water bucket that is ready to drown everyone in its path, a collection of adorable statues of ship crews spraying water, and water cannons that may be swung to fire foes.
Located 30 minutes away from KL city centre, this hidden gem is also comparatively more affordable, with ticket prices ranging from RM56/child to RM66/adult.
Daredevils can get their fill of heartstopping adventures at Kuala Kubu Bharu, home to activities like paragliding and water rafting. Take a dip in mother nature at Sungai Chilling Waterfall, before taking to the skies at Kuala Kubu Bharu Paragliding Park. You can even capture the experience on a complimentary GoPro provided. Tickets start from RM250/pax.
For family-bonding, try water rafting at the Selangor River, known as one of the best rivers in Malaysia due to the many unique species of fireflies and fishes there. The currents aren’t that intense and you will be accompanied with a licensed rafter at all times.
The route is 8 km-long, though, so make sure you have something to eat before embarking on the adventure. It costs RM100/pax.
After a thrilling day with intense activities, you can unwind at Woodhouse or Sky Villa, with outdoor hammocks, infinity pools and views of the forest.
Book a white water rafting adventure (S$57.59) and paragliding at Kuala Kubu Bahru ($S72).
Families travelling with young kids, you won’t want to miss this one. Dino Desert is home to 144 animatronic creatures, located within Monkeys Canopy Resort just 30 minutes from KL. The dinosaur-themed park will transport you to the sets of Jurassic Park where life-sized replicas the likes of T-Rex and Triceratops “rawr” at you you walk past.
Set against the backdrop of the region’s gorgeous mountains, the park itself looks more like a desert featuring sand dunes and cacti in an attempt to recreate the landscape of the prehistoric era. Apart from ogling at the giant dinos, kids can also run around the outdoor playground, “ride” the dinos for photo ops, and learn more about them through the information displays.
Whether you’re yearning for relaxation, adventure, or a foodie escapade, these short day trips prove that you don’t have to venture that far from KL. Next time you find yourself in this bustling city and want a change of scenery, consider adding these attractions to your travel bucket list.
For more things to do in KL:
Cover image adapted from: @wanqihoo, @colmartropicale & @skymirrormalaysia via Instagram.
Originally published on 12th September 2023. Last updated by Syahiran Sean on 26th July 2024.
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